Homemade christmas gifts

[Snadger]

Only managed two this year.........Chilli jam for my Sons and Daughters family.

I love to receive mome made or second hand gifts.(especially books) Unfortunately I appear to be in the minority in our household and I always get the feeling they think I am a skinflint when giving home made gifts.
My own opinion is there's much more thought and work goes into a homemade gift even if its monetary value is very little.

If I'm still around next year, sod it, I may go for ALL home made gifts just to pee them off!

Deep respect to those who make the majority if not all of their gifts.

As I need inspiration for next year lets hear what you lot have given as presents?

[WendyC]

I have knitted several pairs of stripy socks and made two draught excluders, one is a traditional sausage dog.

[Kleftiwallah]

From a bit of marine ply off cut and a piece of leatherette plus a couple of hinges (all found in my shed) I've made an 'easel' for my beloved to rest on her tummy while she's playing with her computer in bed.

"Me Mam" always said she preffered something we had made rather than a bought present. As money was tighter than a .......while growing up, I try to carry on the philosophy but she also hase some posh scent and slippers.

Cheers, Tony.

[Nicos]

OH made wind chimes for our daughter and her OH.

I have given some of my hand made Xmas tree decorations to several people.

Interestingly , I know what you mean Snadger about thinking I'm a skinflint...I gave a birthday gift to a friend who had lost her husband a few weeks earlier. Other people had bought her perfume and chocolate etc and I embroidered something sweet on the corner of a flannel.
When she opened it, she looked at it, turned it round a few times and then just stared at it!!!!

Then she said..."Oh I get it, it's one of those gifts where you have given a lot of your time to make!"

No idea if she liked it but I thought it'd be nice if, whenever she used it , she would feel someone cared for her. She probably felt that way too shoving a choccie in her mouth!!

[lottie dolly]

nothing wrong with home made gifts,they are personal,from the heart,after all,why would we wish to spend time on these gifts,if we did not care,years ago when we had our first 2 lads,we were really strapped for cash,after a plan was hatched and made,a garage each,with a lift,ramps,lights,some lenghs of wood were shaped into curves and straights and duly marked as road ways,the only things we bought were a large box of new dinky motors,years on they still remember those ,now being older with a family off their own appretiate it even more,at the time it was santa that made the deliveries

[Sheneval]

Years back I made a fort for my nephew - the turrets were made out of thick cardboard cylinders - can't remember where I got them now - the walls were made from plywood - I also bought him some toy soldiers and he played with these things for a good number of years before he outgrew them

[Nannysally99]

I gave all the 'oldies' that work in the charity shop with me a gift bag with small jars of jam, marmalade or pickled onions - all home made. Little Christmas cakes in cellophane and a few cherry brandy choccies. They were all really pleased, so was I, it was a pleasure


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[rustylady]

I much prefer home-made gifts. Mine to give are usually home-made jams and other preserves, but I used to make a lot of cross stitch pictures which were given as presents.

[Scarlet]

I always go the homemade route too! At Christmas it's Christmas wreaths, floral arrangements - especially with candles at this time of year, jewellery and then it's the jams, chutneys, pickled eggs, chilli oil and vinegar, Christmas puddings and cakes. When it's gardening season people often get chilli plants, (though letting one go is difficult!!) hanging baskets or pots.

[Shadylane]

I've been rushed off me feet today trying to get the hampers for the 'rents, inlaws and me brother done. Items include jams, chutneys, chille drizzle and chilli jam, spiced nuts, spiced hermits, chocs, peanut brittle, florentines, christmas cake and puds. Oh and fruity booze.

[Glutton4...]

I would much prefer to receive a homemade or 'Artisan' gift than something flash and inappropriate. Mr.G's Bro and Wife are tight for money, and to our complete surprise, a couple of years ago they gave us homemade chutney, jam, wine and beer! They'd never attempted to make any of these before, and we were very impressed. OK, one bottle of wine was definitely not drinkable by either of us, but we still used it in soups and stews. All were gratefully received, and all were used.

Mr.G's family now have a 'no presents' rule. But they told us after I'd bought some fab gifts for them, so they're getting them anyway! I know I won't get any complaints.

This is the third year I have bought 'Artisan' gifts, and all from contacts on this Forum. Long may it continue.

[binley100]

For years my girls made all the christmas cards and they made pressies for rellies etc...I do give homemade and generally preserves are involved .

We made the girls a rocking horse one year, OH did the woodwork side of things and I made the head comeplete with bridle and reins ..it's been passed to various families over the years

[WPG]

Having read this thread, I wish I was related to all of you! (especially binley, what a fabulous present)

[binley100]

says it all....

[Snadger]

I always go the homemade route too! At Christmas it's Christmas wreaths, floral arrangements - especially with candles at this time of year, jewellery and then it's the jams, chutneys, pickled eggs, chilli oil and vinegar, Christmas puddings and cakes. When it's gardening season people often get chilli plants, (though letting one go is difficult!!) hanging baskets or pots.

Pickled eggs.........now there's an idea for next year!